Sydney Sealife Aquarium or Manly Sealife Sanctuary? Your time is short and you want to decide which Sydney aquarium to visit? Here is a detailed comparison and many photos to help you choose based on your expectations: animals, locations, atmospheres...
Welcome to the Battle of the Sydney aquariums!
THE RULES OF THE AQUARIUM BATTLE
In this guide you will find how I think those 2 aquariums compare in regards to Atmosphere, Installations, Exhibits, Location, Accessibility & price. And then I am sharing some of my best-of photos (well it is still aquarium photos so the quality is not exceptional) & moments for each one.
And if you want to see more animals while in Sydney don’t forget to also check the zoos/wildlife battle: Taronga zoo vs Wildlife Zoo vs Featherdale!
Before telling your all about those 2 aquariums, let’s start with a picture of my favorite animal at those aquariums: the Shark saw
COMPARISON OF THE AQUARIUMS
Here is a table summarizing my opinions regarding the Sydney Sealife Aquarium and the Manly Sealife Sanctuary in regards to the following criteria:
- Atmosphere
- Set up
- Animal variety – exhibits
- Location
- Accessibility
- Price
My preference is slightly going towards Sydney but I also really enjoyed Manly and my time strolling along the beach after.
I have only assisted to one talk. It was in Manly and was really great. I learned a lot but in a light and fun way. And their love for the animals shines through.
Best of – Sydney Sealife Aquarium
A platypus
The first of at the Sydney aquarium is the Platypus exhibit. And I LOOOOOOVE Platypus. I was actually lucky enough to see one in the wild when I went on a tour to spot wild Australian animals. It is very exciting to see on in the wild but you actually only see its back from far away. Here I saw it swim, eat a shrimp and scratch itself (which was quite funny ) I don’t have great photos as they move fast and it is quite dark for the camera but I have a wonderful memory!
Installations
The aquarium as some great installations to get up close with the animals:
Smaller fishes
The Shark tunnel
And the amazing tunnels to get surrounded by sharks and rays…
And the slightly awkwardly placed food court when you get out:
Best of – Manly Sealife Sanctuary
Installations
Not as varied as Sydney but still well designed for a great viewing experience
Tunnel
Manly Aquarium’s tunnel had some great sharks, giant turtles!
Happy loved animals
So have you made your decision?
Pint it!
Renuka says
Although I am not much of a aquarium loving traveler, I enjoyed this post. Nice pictures. 🙂 I have been to Sydney and Manly, but didn’t discover this side. Next time!
Madagascar holidays says
If I had the chance to visit Sydney, this aquarium is the first thing I will visit. It’s so amazing!
Claire Robinson says
Not if, when… 🙂